Lithuania Follows EU Rules, Not Separate National Laws

Since 2021, the entire European Union — Lithuania included — operates under the unified EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) framework. This means: if you pass your exam in Lithuania, the same certificate is valid in Germany, Spain, or anywhere else in the EU.

In Lithuania, the authority responsible for licensing is TKA — the Transport Competences Agency (Transporto kompetencijų agentūra). They organise exams, issue certificates, and maintain the registry.

Three Categories: Open, Specific, Certified

The entire system is structured around risk:

Open Category — covers most hobbyists and many professionals. Divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. No per-flight authorisation needed — just hold the appropriate qualification.

Specific Category (STS) — more complex scenarios that fall outside the open category. For example: flights over crowds, in city centres, with higher risk profiles. Operates on standard scenarios (STS-01 and STS-02), both requiring the STS theory exam.

Certified Category — large commercial drones. Not relevant for most pilots.

A1/A3 — Free and Straightforward

The A1/A3 qualification is your first step. It allows:

How to get it: pass the online 40-question quiz on the TKA platform. Pass mark: 75%. No fee, no time limit. Take it whenever you're ready.

A2STS offers free A1/A3 preparation — 246-question bank with explanations, all in Lithuanian.

A1: flying near people with lighter drones (C1 class and below)
A3: flying away from people and residential areas

A2 — Most Common for Commercial Pilots

The A2 qualification is needed for flying C2 class drones near people — down to 30 metres horizontally (5 metres with low-speed mode active).

How to get it:

1. Hold a valid A1/A3 qualification

2. Complete documented self-declared practical training

3. Pass the official TKA theory exam — 30 questions, 30 minutes, ≥ 75%

The exam takes place at TKA's office in Vilnius. Cost: €26 for the theory exam, €27 for the certificate.

STS — For More Complex Commercial Scenarios

STS (Standard Scenario) is for pilots working in situations that fall outside the open category. Two scenarios are relevant in Lithuania:

STS-01: VLOS flights over controlled ground areas (urban areas, crowds)

STS-02: VLOS flights over assemblies of people

STS exam: 60 questions, 60 minutes, ≥ 75% (≥ 45 correct answers).

Unlike A2, STS questions are more procedural — they test not just knowledge but decision sequences in real-world scenarios.

Drone Registration — a Separate Step

Your pilot qualification and your drone registration are two different things:

Your registration number starts with LTU- (Lithuania) and is valid across the EU.

The pilot registers with TKA as a UAS operator and receives an operator number (UAS operator registration)
The drone — if it weighs more than 250g or has a camera — must be labelled with the operator number

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Realistic timeline from zero to A2 certificate:

| Stage | Duration |

|---|---|

| A1/A3 online quiz | 1–2 days |

| A2 theory preparation | 3–6 weeks |

| TKA registration and waiting | 1–2 weeks |

| Exam + certificate processing | 1 day + a few days |

| Total | ~6–9 weeks |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A2 licence valid across the EU?

Yes. The EASA framework is unified — your Lithuanian certificate is recognised in all EU member states.

Do I need a licence to photograph with a drone?

It depends on the drone's weight and where you fly. A drone over 250g requires at least A1/A3 registration. Near people or in a city centre — you likely need A2 or STS.

How long is the licence valid?

A2 and STS theory qualifications are valid for 5 years, after which they need renewal.

Where do I sit the exam?

TKA office in Vilnius. Registration via the TKA website or email.

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*Preparing for your A2 exam? Start free — the A2STS question bank with explanations helps you understand the logic, not just memorise answers.*

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title: "How to Register for the TKA Drone Exam: Step by Step"

slug: tka-exam-how-to-register

category: regulations

readTime: 5

date: 2026-05-26

description: "Exact guide to registering for the TKA A2 or STS exam in Lithuania — documents, fees, the registration process, and what to do after the exam."

---

Many pilots prepare well for the exam — but the registration process catches them off guard. The TKA system isn't complicated, but it has a few steps you can't skip. Here's everything laid out clearly.

Before You Register — Check These Prerequisites

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

If any of these are missing, your exam appointment may be cancelled.

A valid A1/A3 qualification (required for the A2 exam)
Registration in the TKA UAS operator registry
A personal identity document (passport or ID card copy)
Confirmation of self-declared practical training (for A2)

Step 1: Operator Registration (if you don't have it yet)

First step: register with TKA as a UAS operator. This can be done electronically through the TKA e-services portal.

After registering, you'll receive a unique operator number (LTU-XXXXXX). This number must be affixed to your drone — as a sticker or engraving.

Registration is free and takes 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Exam Registration

You can register for the exam in two ways:

By email: write to TKA (contact details on the TKA website) with:

In person: visit TKA's office in Vilnius. Open Monday to Friday.

Registration is accepted weeks in advance. It's recommended to register at least 1–2 weeks ahead of your planned date.

Full name
Personal ID number
Exam type (A2 or STS)
Preferred date (if you have one)

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee

Current fees (2026):

Payment is made after registration confirmation via TKA invoice. Cash at the office or bank transfer.

Theory exam — €26
Certificate issuance — €27
Total — €53

Step 4: Exam Day

What to bring:

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Late arrivals may not be admitted.

The exam is computer-based at TKA premises. A2: 30 questions, 30 minutes. STS: 60 questions, 60 minutes. No notes, no reference material.

Results are displayed immediately after the exam.

Identity document (original, not a copy)
Registration confirmation
A1/A3 qualification confirmation

Step 5: After the Exam

If you passed: TKA issues your certificate. This typically takes a few working days after payment. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

If you didn't pass: you can re-register. There's no mandatory waiting period, but the fee applies again.

A Practical Note on Timing

Register for the exam only when you're consistently hitting ≥ 80% in simulations — not just once, but three times in a row. The official threshold is 75%, but exam nerves typically cost 5–10% on the day.

Better to wait one more week and walk in confident than register too early.

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*Still preparing? A2STS simulations replicate the exact TKA format — 30/30 or 60/60. Start free and track your progress before registering.*

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title: "Where Is It Illegal to Fly a Drone in Lithuania? A Complete Zones Guide"

slug: drone-no-fly-zones-lithuania

category: regulations

readTime: 6

date: 2026-05-26

description: "Airspace restrictions, no-fly zones, CTR and D zones in Lithuania — a practical guide to reading the map before every flight."

---

One of the most common mistakes among new pilots: flying somewhere that looks empty without checking the map. In Lithuania, there are several types of airspace zones, and violating them can result in fines or a confiscated drone. Here's how the system works.

Lithuanian Airspace — Three Levels

Lithuanian airspace is managed by Oro navigacija (Lithuanian Air Navigation Services). For drone pilots, the relevant altitudes are below 120m AGL, divided into several zone types.

The map can be checked via the official Oro Navigacija UAS map system or through European NOTAM platforms.

CTR Zones — Controlled Airspace

CTR (Control Zone) is the airspace around airports. Lithuania's main CTR zones:

Flying a drone in a CTR zone without prior authorisation is prohibited. Authorisation must be obtained from the relevant air traffic service — and it's not automatic.

Practical note: if you live in Vilnius or Kaunas, check the map before every flight. The Vilnius CTR covers a significant portion of the city.

Vilnius (EYVI) — Vilnius Airport
Kaunas (EYKA) — Kaunas Airport
Palanga (EYPA) — Palanga Airport
Šiauliai (EYSA) — Šiauliai Airport (military — especially strict)

D Zones — Danger Zones

D zones are areas where drone flight is prohibited or requires special permission:

Zone boundaries can change — always check the current map, not a cached version.

Military areas and firing ranges
State border (within 5 km)
Prisons and detention facilities
Sensitive state infrastructure

P Zones — Prohibited

P zones are absolutely prohibited — no authorisation possible:

Presidential palace and government buildings
Certain heritage and cultural sites
Specific protected area zones

Protected Areas — Not Always Prohibited

A common mistake: national parks and nature reserves are not automatically prohibited for drones. However:

Always contact the site administration before flying in a protected area.

Most protected areas require written permission from the site administration
Some locations are fully prohibited (e.g., during bird nesting seasons)
The Curonian Spit — separate legal status, very strict restrictions

In Cities and Residential Areas

Even outside CTR or D zones, EASA restrictions apply in urban areas:

Flying in a city centre without STS qualification — you're likely violating the rules even if the map looks clear.

A1 subcategory: can fly near people, but not over assemblies
A2 subcategory: must maintain minimum distances from people (30m, or 5m with low-speed mode)
A3 subcategory: must fly away from residential areas

How to Check a Zone Before Flying — 3 Steps

1. Open the official UAS map (Oro Navigacija or Eurocontrol NOTAM)

2. Enter your flight location and check active zones

3. Check NOTAMs — temporary restrictions that may be active on your flight day (airshows, military exercises, VIP visits)

NOTAMs are checked separately — the map doesn't cover them.

Penalties for Violations

Airspace violations in Lithuania can result in:

Ignorance of zone restrictions is not a defence. Airspace monitoring in Lithuania is active — especially near airports and government buildings.

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*Airspace is one of the core topics in both A2 and STS exams. A2STS has dozens of practical scenario questions covering zone rules.*

Administrative fines (hundreds to thousands of euros)
Drone confiscation
Criminal liability (if damage or danger caused)